Orbital vibration training and exercise device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, an orbital or co-orbital vibration training and exercise device featuring a housing containing two weighted disks. The unit&#39;s housing features two handles that can be grabbed from multiple points and they can also be used as a pedal when the device is used for the lower extremities. As the motion is made by the end user (example: frontal pulls) the two disks spin in opposite directions creating a challenging instability that requires the recruitment of more muscles to control, providing a deep tissue and toning exercise.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/298,842, filed Jan. 27, 2010, and entitled “ORBITAL VIBRATION TRAINING AND EXERCISE DEVICE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to orbital vibration training and biomechanical stimulation, and more particularly, to an orbital vibration training and exercise device for providing a deep tissue and toning exercise.

2. Description of Related Art

Vibration training can focus on the entire body (i.e., whole body vibration) or can focus on an isolated muscle group in the body (i.e., biomechanical stimulation). Vibration training was initially considered as an effort to decrease the loss of muscle and bone mass in astronauts while in space, where astronauts lose muscle since there is minimal gravitational force in space. Now, vibration training is used in the fitness industry, physical therapy, rehabilitation, professional sports, and beauty and wellness applications.

Vibration training is implemented through the use of a vibrating platform on which static poses are held, or dynamic exercises can be performed, depending on the type and force of the machine. The vibrations generated by motors underneath the platform are transmitted to the person on the machine. The intensity, defined by the parameters frequency, amplitude, magnitude (i.e., light vibration vs. heavy vibration), and the direction of these vibrations are essential for their effect. Research studies have found positive effects of vibration training in muscle strength and toning, cellulite reduction, improved bone density, heightened secretion of hormones associated with exercise, and depressed response of hormones associated with stress.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,236 describes a muscle exerciser and toner device with microprocessor for controlled workouts. The muscle exerciser produces specially timed vibrations to exercise muscles and burn body fat without a need to perform an actual physical exercise. The device can be attached to different parts of the human body and thru vibrations make the muscles contract and extend. This is equivalent to a process of a genuine exercise session.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,537 describes a portable vibration-based training device and method for enhancing athletic performance and precise body control. The device is attachable to an athletic instrument such as the shaft of a golf club. A battery-operated vibration mechanism within the device operates at a frequency suitable for enhancing muscle performance through stimulation. A frequency control circuit operable by the user enables adjustment of the frequency for various circumstances.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,355 describes a vibration training device. The vibration training device includes a motor including a sensor member connected therewith which is electrically connected to a vibration control unit which controls the motor via commands from a user. The vibration control unit sensing status of the motor according to input commands so as to control the motor simultaneously to generate vibration and resistant force on user's muscles by rotating back and forth repetitively.

However, conventional methods lack many of the core stability features provided by an orbital vibration training and exercise device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an orbital or co-orbital vibration training and exercise device featuring a housing containing two weighted disks. The unit's housing features two handles that can be grabbed from multiple points and they can also be used as a pedal when the device is used for the lower extremities. As the motion is made by the end user (example: frontal pulls) the two disks spin in opposite directions creating a challenging instability that requires the recruitment of more muscles to control, providing a deep tissue and toning exercise.

In an embodiment of the invention, an exercise device comprises: a housing; two handles, wherein each handle is disposed on opposite sides of the housing; two disks located in respective recesses within one side of the housing, wherein each disk is coupled to a weight; and a retractable cable coupled to each of the two disks and a spring mechanism, wherein the two disks rotate in opposite direction when the cable is pulled away from the housing. A location of the weights relative to the disks may be adjusted along a radius of the disks, where the weight may be increased as the weights are adjusted outwards towards the edge of disks. The exercise device may further comprise a pedestal coupled to a distal end of the retractable cable, where the pedestal may be connected to the retractable cable by a connector. The handles may comprise one or more grips. The exercise device may further comprise a spring to retract the retractable cable into the housing and a separator configured to keep the retractable cable coupled to each of the two disks separate.

In another embodiment of the invention, an exercise device comprises: a housing; one or more disks on the housing, the disks producing vibrations; a knob coupled to the disks, the knob controlling the degree of vibration; and one or more handles attached to the housing, wherein the handles are configured to receive the vibrations. The exercise device may further comprise one or more adjustable weights attached to the disks, where the weight may be increased as the weights are adjusted outwards towards the edge of disks. The handles may comprise one or more grips. The exercise device may further comprise a cable attached to the disks, a spring to retract the cable into the housing, and a pedestal attached to the cable, wherein a user can step on the pedestal. The pedestal may be connected to the cable by a connector. The cable may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the first end attaches to a first disk and the second end attaches to a second disk. The exercise device may further comprise a separator configured to keep the first end of the cable separate from the second end of the cable.

An advantage of the present invention is that it strengthens traditional muscles along with core stability muscles, quicker than traditional dumbbells, in a handheld device that occupies much less space that a full set of dumbbells.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows:

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a vibration training and exercise device according an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a vibration training and exercise device according an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1-9, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. Although the invention is described in the context of development of upper body stability muscles, the exercise device can be used for any group of muscles including, but not limited to, lower body muscles. Although the invention is described in the context of fitness, one of skill in the art could use the device for physical therapy purposes as well.

The present invention provides an orbital or co-orbital vibration training and exercise device featuring a housing containing two weighted disks. Each disk is attached to a spring loaded mechanism that allows a connected cable to retract into the housing. Each disk is independent from each other, but they are both attached to the cable in such a way that each disk rotates in an opposite direction from each other when the cable is pulled away from the housing. Each disk includes an adjustable weight connected into a slot via a fastening system with a knob or comparable method to secure and release the weight within the range allowed by the slot. The unit's housing features two handles that can be grabbed from multiple points and they can also be used as a pedal when the device is used for the lower extremities. At the other end of the cable, a carbine type attachment is installed. Such attachment point connects to a pedestal where the user can step on, or it can be held by hand if working on the lower extremities. As the motion is made by the end user (example: frontal pulls) the two disks spin in opposite directions creating a challenging instability that requires the recruitment of more muscles to control, providing a deep tissue and toning exercise. When the weights attached to the disk are moved toward the outer edge of the disk, the instability increases making the exercise more challenging. When the weights are moved toward the center of the disk the instability becomes easier to handle.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an orbital vibration training and exercise device 100 according an embodiment of the invention. The orbital (or co-orbital) vibration training and exercise device 100 comprises a housing 110, two handles 120 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 110, a retractable cable 130, two disks 140 connected to the retractable cable 130, a knob/fastener 150 disposed in a slot in each of the two disks 140, a weight 160 coupled to each disk 140 through the knob/fastener 150, a connector 170 coupled to the distal end of the retractable cable 130, and a platform 180 (e.g., pedestal) coupled to the connector 170. The housing 110 is preferably constructed from a lightweight, but rigid material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Each of the two handles 120 include multiple grips 125 in the form of sheath or coating on the handle 120 that provides friction against the hand, reducing the gripping force needed to achieve a reliable grip. The two handles 120 can be gripped from multiple points and they can be used also as a pedal when the device 100 is used for exercising the lower extremities.

Each disk 140 is attached to a spring loaded mechanism or coil spring (not shown) that allows the cable 130 to retract into the housing 110. Each disk 140 is independent from each other, but they are both attached to the cable 130 in such a way that each disk 140 rotates in opposite direction from each other, when the cable 130 is pulled away from the housing 110. Each disk 140 has an adjustable weight 160 connected into a slot of the disk 140 via a fastener with the knob 150 to secure and release the weight 160 within the range allowed by the slot.

At the other end of the cable 130, a carbine type connector 170 is installed. The connector 170 connects to a platform 180 where the user can step on, or it can be held by hand if working on the lower extremities. As the cable 130 is pulled away from the housing 110, for example, in the case of a user performing frontal pulls, the two disks 140 spin in opposite directions creating a challenging instability, i.e., vibration, which requires the recruitment of more muscles to control the device 100, thereby providing a deep tissue and toning exerciser. When a weight 160 attached to a disk 140 is moved toward the outer edge of the disk 140, the instability increases making the exercise more challenging. When the weights 160 are moved toward the center of the disks 140, the instability becomes easier to handle.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate an orbital vibration training and exercise device 600 according an embodiment of the invention, similar to exercise device 100, with FIGS. 7-9 illustrating the inside components of the exercise device 600 according to one embodiment of the invention. The orbital (or co-orbital) vibration training and exercise device 600 comprises a housing 610, two handles 620 with grips 625, a retractable cable 630, two disks 640 connected to the retractable cable 630, a knob/fastener 650 disposed in a slot in each of the two disks 640, a weight 760 coupled to each disk 640 through the knob/fastener 650. A separator 790 keeps the retractable cable 630 coupled to each of the two disks separate. FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the exercise device 600, with a top bevel 902, knob 650, mechanism cover 904, weight 760, cable 630, cable housing 906, and coil spring 908.

It is to be recognized that depending on the embodiment, certain acts or events of any of the methods described herein can be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (for example, not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the method). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events may be performed concurrently, rather than sequentially.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims. 

1. An exercise device comprising: a housing; two handles, wherein each handle is disposed on opposite sides of the housing; two disks located in respective recesses within one side of the housing, wherein each disk is coupled to a weight; and a retractable cable coupled to each of the two disks and a spring mechanism, wherein the two disks rotate in opposite direction when the cable is pulled away from the housing.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein a location of the weights relative to the disks is adjusted along a radius of the disks.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the weight is increased as the weights are adjusted outwards towards the edge of disks.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a pedestal coupled to a distal end of the retractable cable.
 5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the pedestal is connected to the retractable cable by a connector.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handles comprise one or more grips.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a spring to retract the retractable cable into the housing.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a separator configured to keep the retractable cable coupled to each of the two disks separate.
 9. An exercise device comprising: a housing; one or more disks on the housing, the disks producing vibrations; a knob coupled to the disks, the knob controlling the degree of vibration; and one or more handles attached to the housing, wherein the handles are configured to receive the vibrations.
 10. The exercise device of claim 9, further comprising one or more adjustable weights attached to the disks.
 11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the weight is increased as the weights are adjusted outwards towards the edge of disks.
 12. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the handles comprise one or more grips.
 13. The exercise device of claim 9, further comprising a cable attached to the disks.
 14. The exercise device of claim 13, further comprising a spring to retract the cable into the housing.
 15. The exercise device of claim 13, further comprising a pedestal attached to the cable, wherein a user can step on the pedestal.
 16. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein the pedestal is connected to the cable by a connector.
 17. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the cable comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end attaches to a first disk and the second end attaches to a second disk.
 18. The exercise device of claim 17, further comprising a separator configured to keep the first end of the cable separate from the second end of the cable. 